Single or dual Tail Wheel

[brandon327]

What is the advantage or disadvantage on a 7' Rhino rotary cutter to a dual tail wheel vs. a single tail wheel? I am about to buy a new one and about all you can get is a single off the lot but you can order a dual.

 

[JoeinTX]

About the only difference I can see is in keeping the unit level and floating more evenly with the terrain you're cutting. The dual wheels will be responsive to following mounds, low lying areas, bumps, etc. than a single tail wheel.


If that's not a big concern for you then buy off the lot and don't worry about waiting/paying on a special order.

 

[greg_g]

The lay of my land is such that I'd prefer a twin rear wheel. And hydraulic assist would be nice for varying cutting height on the fly. But so far I've held off because of the additional cost. Both my RCs have the single wheel, and I often find them cutting into the turf on turns. I believe if two tail wheels shared the weight of the cutter, this type turf damage could be minimized.

What was the price difference between the two Rhinos? and does the twin wheel have manual or hydraulic tail height adjustment? If I knew those answers, I'd be better equipped to make a decision which one to buy.

//greg//

 

[pitt_md]

The lay of my land is such that I'd prefer a twin rear wheel. And hydraulic assist would be nice for varying cutting height on the fly. But so far I've held off because of the additional cost. Both my RCs have the single wheel, and I often find them cutting into the turf on turns. I believe if two tail wheels shared the weight of the cutter, this type turf damage could be minimized.

What was the price difference between the two Rhinos? and does the twin wheel have manual or hydraulic tail height adjustment? If I knew those answers, I'd be better equipped to make a decision which one to buy.

//greg//

With my RC (single wheel) I keep the rear end up a little higher than the front. I use the 3ph to adjust the cutting height via the front end. I have never seen a RC with rear hydraulic adjustment.

 

[MarkLeininger]

Unless you're mowing a sod farm, one of the dual wheels is almost always going to be off the ground unless the whole unit flexes. It's fixed at the front end by the 3ph attachment points so it always stays in that orientation regardless of what the ground is doing. It's like having the 4 legs of a chair on an uneven floor: only 3 of them can touch the floor at any time unless you weigh enough to twist the chair and make all the legs touch the ground.

 

[brandon327]

The dealer says you just order the additional tail wheel for about $250. But i am about to call and find out. My father in law says it help keep the cutter out of the dirt. It does not have hydraulic assit.

 

[JoeinTX]

"It's fixed at the front end by the 3ph attachment points so it always stays in that orientation regardless of what the ground is doing....."



Modern 3pt systems don't have down pressure.....only lifting pressure. The lift arms will flex upward and independently if the pressure upon the implement is there.....i.e., if you're working around/across terraces or a motley piece of pasture. So the mounted implement, while not as free-flowing as the drag implement, will still have some play in it front-to-back/left-to-right.


That being said, I don't think twin tail wheels are necessary for this type of mower for the ordinary user and I wouldn't pay more or wait longer for them.

 

[greg_g]

With my RC (single wheel) I keep the rear end up a little higher than the front. I use the 3ph to adjust the cutting height via the front end. I have never seen a RC with rear hydraulic adjustment.

So what then do you think all the extra bolt holes are for on the tail wheel assembly? They're there to set the cutting height. You then use the TPH to adjust the front to ~1" lower than whatever cutting height you fixed with the tail wheel.

Here's what hydraulic assist looks like on a Rhino

//greg//

 

[3RRL]

Having had both, I know the difference now.
Since transforming my single tail wheel into a dual tail wheel cutter, I noticed a significant difference in scalping when making a turn. Both wheels are always on the ground supporting more of the cutter. There is enough play in the 3pt mounting and pins to allow the cutter to "flex" with the land. It's more like a 3 legged chair and the connection to the 3pt is not 100% rigid. I would go with the dual tail wheel set up, especially for that price. I know when I bought the second tail wheel for my mod it cost at least half of your price, just for the wheel itself!

Here is my hydraulically controlled dual tail wheel cutter.
Mine come off (QD) and go on other implements to act as gauge wheels too. They are great for re-adjusting the rear cutting height on the fly. Especially when I start backing up to cut places I can't go into forward. I can set the rear lower than the front and still get the right cutting height I want. Otherwise you are stuck with the height you've set on the rear and have to lift the 3pt higher, but the total cut is higher than you want. With hydraulic tail wheel adjustment, it's a snap.
Rob-

 

[pitt_md]

So what then do you think all the extra bolt holes are for on the tail wheel assembly? They're there to set the cutting height. You then use the TPH to adjust the front to ~1" lower than whatever cutting height you fixed with the tail wheel.

Here's what hydraulic assist looks like on a Rhino

//greg//

I am well aware of what the bolt holes are for. I never adjust them out in the field though. I was speaking of a dynamic adjustment while mowing.